In a significant show of support for Nigerian football, Governor Pst. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State paid a visit to the Super Eagles camp on Thursday, September 7, ahead of their crucial 2023 AFCON qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe.
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The visit was met with praise from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the state’s remarkable efforts in developing and maintaining world-class sporting facilities.
NFF Deputy Secretary General, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, expressed his appreciation during the official welcome of Governor Umo Eno to the team’s camp at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene. Dr. Ikpeme extended gratitude to the governor for granting approval to host the Nigeria/Sao Tome AFCON qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
He also appealed for continued support in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to kick off in November.
Dr. Ikpeme emphasized the top-notch reception the team received at the airport and lauded the state’s infrastructure, including the road network, hotels, and the stadium, all of which he deemed world-class facilities.
The governor’s commitment to maintaining high standards in building quality infrastructure was duly recognized.
Both Head Coach of the Super Eagles Team, José Peseiro, and Team Captain, William-Troost Ekong, expressed their gratitude to the Akwa Ibom State Government for the warm hospitality extended to the team.
Governor Umo Eno, in return, thanked the team for their kind words and conveyed the solidarity of the people of the state with the Super Eagles. He assured the team of the State government’s unwavering support in their upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe, scheduled for Sunday.
Furthermore, Governor Umo Eno acknowledged the Nigerian Football Federation’s decision to choose Uyo as the venue for the Super Eagles’ home encounters.
He pledged the continuous support of Akwa Ibom State, reaffirming the state’s commitment to contributing to the success of the national team.
This visit and show of solidarity underline the pivotal role that state governments play in developing and promoting football in Nigeria, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
